The Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India), established in 1957, is one of the largest professional and educational organizations, with around 4500 members - food scientists and technologists, across the globe. The major objective of AFST(I) is to stimulate and advance knowledgebase on various aspects of Food Science and Technology by organizing National and International Conferences and bringing out technical publications including prestigious journals-Journal of Food Science and Technology (JFST) and Indian Food Industry Mag (IFI Mag). The association recognizes talent and excellence in the profession of Food Science and Technology by conferring various Awards and Fellowship.
AFST(I) membership is open to all food professionals engaged in academic, industrial and other related activities. It has a well-written constitution, which forms the backbone of guidelines by which the Head Quarters and Chapters are functioning through their elected Central Executive Committee (CEC) and Local Executive Committees (LECs) respectively. The election of Office Bearers to these committees, their powers and functions are part of the constitution. One of the fundamental duties of the Association is to bring together members on a platform along with the experts in the field not only from India but also from abroad, along with the captains of the industries to share the commonalities of the cutting edge technology in today's changing scenario. It is in this context that the Association organizes the annual conferences ICFOST , which is attended by a large number of scientists, technologists, entrepreneurs, and it hosts an international conference IFCoN once in every five years. The two journals, the Journal of Food Science and Technology (JFST) and the Indian Food Industry Mag (IFI Mag) are the flagships of AFST(I) activities. Receiving of Indian Food Industry Mag (Print copy)and online access code to Journal of Food Science and Technology (JFST) are being the privilege of an AFST(I) member.
AFST (I) Mumbai Chapter (formerly known as AFST (I) Western Region) was formed in 1970 under the leadership of Dr. A. S. Ganguly, Ex-Chairman of Hindustan Lever. An ad hoc committee consisting of Prof. D. V. Rege, Dr. S. S. Kalbag, Dr. U. S. Kumta, Dr. S. H. Dalal and Dr. G. K. Rao was constituted under the chairmanship of Dr. A. S. Ganguly on July 24, 1970 to form the Chapter and to start the activities. The committee discussed various steps to activate the Association through membership drive, technical seminars and other activities for the popularization of the Association.
